Mark Zuckerberg is an American computer programmer and entrepreneur known for co-founding Facebook and leading its evolution into Meta Platforms, a company focused on virtual reality environments and artificial intelligence. After launching ‘Thefacebook’ from his Harvard dorm room on February 4, 2004, Mark Zuckerberg went on to co-found one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Initially designed for Harvard students, the platform rapidly expanded to other universities and then to a broader audience, distinguishing itself through an emphasis on real names and trusted connections. In the summer of 2004, Zuckerberg relocated the company to Palo Alto, California, securing essential seed funding from venture capitalist Peter Thiel.

in 2007, instead striking a deal with Microsoft for a 1.6 percent stake valued at $240 million. In 2007, he was named to MIT Technology Review’s TR35 list, and his net worth was estimated at $1.5 billion by 2008. The company’s trajectory culminated in a landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2012, which saw his net worth surpass $19 billion. Zuckerberg also initiated significant philanthropic endeavors, notably co-founding the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) with his wife, Priscilla Chan, in 2015, pledging to donate 99% of their Facebook shares to advance human potential and promote equality.

He also received an honorary degree from Harvard in 2017. In 2024, Zuckerberg’s financial standing solidified further as he became the second richest person in the world. Demonstrating continued engagement in public and strategic spheres, he met with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 2024, a year in which Meta also donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. Looking ahead, Zuckerberg announced in 2025 the planned removal of fact-checking programs on Facebook and Instagram.